Don't criticize Hartati Murdaya

I am bewildered why Buddhist students and a group of Buddhists personally attacked Hartati Murdaya after she expressed her views in a program on TVRI in which prominent community figures participated.

Their opinions were different from the students on the subject of student demonstrations. The attitude of wanting to win for oneself by blaming others, without any introspection, is not right.

I have seen for myself Hartati doing social work, including carrying a 10 kg rice sack in a team of volunteers of both Buddhists and other religions. Therefore, the Buddhist community should be proud to have Hartati, who is in my opinion not only a community figure but also a national asset, among their ranks.

It is hard to find a person like Hartati who is willing to sacrifice her wealth, time and thoughts in the interests of the Buddhist community as a whole, especially the little people who strongly desire philanthropy.

Therefore, I appeal to Buddhist students and individuals who have written open letters in which they attack and oppose Hartati, to stop doing so. Join Hartati in her social work and distribute free foodstuffs to the needy and offer free medical treatment.

These activities take place nearly every week, sometimes through Paramita, the (social concern) foundation led by Hartati, sometimes with Jakarta administration officials and Armed Forces members. In my opinion to work together with and to be close to government officials and Armed Forces members is not a sin, not something hateful.

GUSTI PUTU NEGARA

Jakarta